Pre-Bharatanatyam: (ages 2 – 5)
Besides being a creative movement class, students enact myths and legends from around the world using hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam. Students are also taught simple folk dance steps set to catchy music.
Beginner Bharatanatyam; (ages 5 – adult)
Students are taught the elementary techniques of Bharatanatyam including the introduction of both aspects of the art form (nritta and nritya). These classes are designed to lay a strong foundation for a dancer progressing slowly over the years adding complexity and new elements of challenge as the student gains a clear knowledge of Bharatanatyam.
Intermediate Bharatanatyam: (ages 7 – adult)
With each passing year students are introduced to intermediate Bharatanatyam technique building on the solid foundations. Emphasis is on posture and development of strength for the upcoming items classes.
Beginner Items:
Students are taught dances where steps are sewn together in various combinations of beats and rhythms. The use of facial expressions are taught to match the stories being enacted.
Advanced Items:
After several years of training, students are ready to learn complex dances involving fast rhythmic footwork as well as intense face expressions. Students get an opportunity to perform at various community events.
Private lessons:
Are offered to students who are on track to perform a solo dance graduation performance. The intense one on one classes focus on total perfection and involve a high level of commitment.
Dance Company:
Is offered to students who have completed their solo dance graduation performance (arangetram). Besides performing at community events, students are also expected to perform community outreach performances and lecture demonstrations.
Choreography:
Advanced students are offered the opportunity to learn choreography starting with simple dances and leading up to complex items.
Stage management:
Students who have completed their solo dance graduation performance (arangetram) are offered the opportunity to learn stage management skills at various school performances.
Lighting and sound design:
Students who are interested in sound and lighting design have opportunities to learn and to put their skills to use at various school performances.
Make-up and costume design:
Interested students are taught the art of applying make up for Bharatanatyam as well as designing costumes for performances.
